Home Made Gifts for Anytime of Year

Finding it hard to buy gifts for Christmas, birthdays, etc. without spending way too much money? Why not try making some gifts. I've found a few ideas that will make any occasion special.

Sweet Treats: Candy, cookies, breads, and cakes all make great gifts especially near the holidays. Dig through those recipe books an find some that are easy to make. Just make enough for your gifts. For example: If your making cookies, you'd probably want to make about 2 dozen for each person. Then just buy a few cookie tins to put them in. You can find cookies tins at the dollar store or wal-mart and they're very inexpensive. Decorate the top of the tin by tying a wide ribbon around it or even just sticking a store bought bow on top and you're done.

Bath Salts: Who doesn't like to relax in a nice, soothing perfume scented bath. Bath salts are great and easy to make. Here's what you need.

2 and 1/2 lbs. Epsom Salts
food coloring
perfume or scented oil

Combine all ingredients well so the color is even. Put the mixture in jars and let them stand for 4-6 weeks before using. This allows the odor to bled with the salts.

Recipe Jar: I really love this one. Choose any recipe you like such as cookies, cake, tea, cocoa, or even soup. Then just combine all the dry ingredients for the recipe in a jar. Dress up the lid with fabric, lace, or ribbon and attach a recipe card with instructions for how to complete the recipe. Here's an example.

Winter Coffee Mix

Materials: 1 quart jar, card for making tags, ribbon

Ingredients:
2 cups Non dairy creamer
1 and 1/2 cups hot cocoa mix
1 and 1/2 cups instant coffee
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.

Write these instructions on the tag: To make 1 cup - Spoon 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of mix in a coffee mug. Add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until well blended.


How easy is that?! I love the idea of making gifts for people. It definitely saves money, it's easy to do, and the recipient will know that you put that little extra effort in to give them something special.